Verse of the Day 11-15-22

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:1-3

Isaiah chapter 60 is a chapter of glory. The glory of Jerusalem must arise in light of God’s glory, and the nations will stream to it, finding their way in the spiritual darkness by seeing the glory revealed (vv. 1-3). The spiritual exiles will be in darkness no more, and they will come from far away and reflect the radiance of God’s glory (vv. 4-9). The dominion and wealth are reminiscent of the days of David and Solomon. Since Isaiah’s original audience is facing imminent judgement, hope for the splendor described in Isaiah 60 will be difficult to maintain after the destruction of the city and the exile of the people. After Babylon serves the wrathful purpose of God (fulfilled in 586 BC), hope for a future described in Isaiah 60 will be a hope deferred. But a hope deferred is not a hope denied. Jesus, the consummate Israelite, will fulfill the mission of being of a light to the nations, for the proclamation of the Gospel will lead to the elect coming in faith from around the world. People from Gentile regions will embrace God’s Messiah, and the fullness of this joyful reality will be the new heavens and the new earth, as the nations walk by the light of the Lamb and as kings come to the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23-24).

Now that we know the background of this passage, let’s look in detail at this passage. In several places throughout the Bible, the coming of the Messiah (the “Anointed One,” or Christ) is described in terms of a great light or as a visible revelation of God’s presence and glory among his people. Nations and leaders will come to him because of the brightness of his light. The New Testament application of this prophecy is Christ’s incantation, which is his embodiment or coming in human form, and his God-empowered ministry in Galilee. Ever since the great missionary thrust, or the deliberate effort to take Christ’s message to other people groups, cultures and nations, which began in New Testament times, this prophecy is being fulfilled.

Today’s Bible Readings:

Ezekiel 31-32, Hebrews 12:14-29, Psalm 113-114 and Proverbs 27:18-20